Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Adult
Immature
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: The Bald Eagle is one of the most commonly known birds because it is the symbol of the
United Sates. Adults have large brown bodies with white heads and tails. Immature Bald Eagles tend to
stay near their parents so they can learn how to hunt.
Habitat: Bald Eagles can be found near large bodies of water, farm fields and forest and marsh edges.
Diet: Combinations of fish, small mammals like rats, rabbits, weasels and raccoons. They also will harass
ducks , grebes and gulls.
Similar species:
Turkey Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
The Bald Eagle is a Maryland resident, found
throughout the state in all months of the year.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Male
Female
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: The Northern Cardinal is one of our most recognizable birds; the combination of size,
shape, and color is unique, especially in the male. The male and female have thick bills and a prominent
crest. Northern Cardinals are larger than sparrows and smaller than blue jays.
Habitat: Northern Cardinals can be found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and swamps.
Diet: Weed seeds, grains, fruits, berries, black oil sunflower seeds, and beetles. Popular garden plants
that attract the Northern Cardinal include cherry, dogwood, blueberry, elderberry, and hackberry.
Northern Cardinals are often attracted to bird feeders in suburban yards.
Similar species:
Scarlet Tanager
Summer Tanager
The Northern Cardinal is a Maryland resident, found
throughout the state in all months of the year.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: The Canada Goose has a black head and neck, white chinstrap, light tan to cream breast,
and brown back.
Habitat: Canada Geese live in a great many habitats near water, grassy fields, and grain fields. Canada
Geese are particularly drawn to lawns.
Diet: In spring and summer, geese concentrate their feeding on grasses, including skunk cabbage leaves
and eelgrass. During fall and winter, they rely more on berries, seeds and grains.
Similar species:
Brant
Snow Goose
Greater White-fronted goose
The Canada Goose is a Maryland resident, found
throughout the state in all months of the year.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
Male
Photos by Bill Hubick
Female
Description: Male Mallards have a dark, iridescent-green head and bright yellow bill. The gray body is
sandwiched between a brown breast and black rear. Females and juveniles are mottled brown with
orange-and-brown bills.
Habitat: Mallards can live in almost any wetland habitat, natural or artificial. Look for them on lakes,
ponds, marshes, rivers, and coastal habitats, as well as city and suburban parks and residential
backyards.
Diet: Most of the mallard's diet is made up of plants. It eats the seeds of grasses and sedges and the
leaves, stems, and seeds of aquatic plants. It occasionally eats insects and crustaceans.
Similar to:
Northern Shoveler
The Mallard is a Maryland resident, found
throughout the state in all months of the year.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
American Black Duck
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: The Mourning Dove has a plump-body and long-tail, with short legs, small bill, and a head
that looks small in comparison to the body. They are brown to buffy-tan overall, with black spots on the
wings and black-bordered white tips to the tail feathers.
Habitat: Primarily a bird of open country, scattered trees, and woodland edges, but large numbers roost
in woodlots during winter.
Diet: Seeds make up 99 percent of a Mourning Dove’s diet, including cultivated grains and even peanuts,
as well as wild grasses, weeds, herbs, and occasionally berries.
Similar to:
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collard Dove
Inca Dove
The Mourning Dove is a Maryland resident, found
throughout the state in all months of the year.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: Blue Jays have a large crest with a broad, rounded tail. They have a white or light gray
under side, and are various shades of blue, black, and white.
Habitat: Blue Jays are found in different kinds of forests, but especially near oak trees, which are more
abundant near forest edges than in the deep forest. They are common in urban and suburban areas,
especially where bird feeders are found.
Diet: Blue Jays eat insects, nuts, and seeds. They also eat grains. Stomach contents over the year are
about 22 percent insect. Acorns, nuts, fruits, and grains made up almost the entire remainder.
Similar to:
Eastern Bluebird
Indigo Bunting
The Blue Jay is a Maryland resident, found throughout the eastern
and central United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: American Crows are a large, long-legged, thick-necked bird with a heavy, straight bill. In
flight, the wings are fairly broad and rounded with the short tail is rounded or squared off at the end.
American Crows are all black, including the legs and bill.
Habitat: American Crows are highly adaptable. They regularly use both natural and human created
habitats, including farmland, pasture, landfills, city parks, golf courses, cemeteries, yards, vacant lots,
highway turnarounds, feedlots, and the shores of rivers, streams, and marshes.
Diet: American Crows eat grains, seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and many kinds of small animals such as
earthworms and mice. The American Crow eats the eggs and nestlings of many species including
sparrows and robins. They also, eat carrion and garbage.
Similar to:
Fish Crow
Common Grackle
The American Crow is a Maryland resident, found throughout the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Tufted Titmouse
Baeolophus bicolor
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: Tufted Titmice have a large head and eye, thick neck, and a full body. They have a pointed
crest and stout bill. They are silvery gray above and white below, with a rusty or peach-colored wash
down the flanks. They also have black patch just above the bill.
Habitat: Tufted Titmice live mixed evergreen-deciduous woods, typically in areas with a dense canopy
and many tree species. They are also common in orchards, parks, and suburban areas. Generally found
at low elevations.
Diet: Tufted Titmice eat mainly insects in the summer, including caterpillars, beetles, ants and wasps,
stink bugs, and treehoppers, as well as spiders and snails. Tufted Titmice also eat seeds, nuts, and
berries, including acorns and beech nuts.
Similar to:
Blue Jay
Carolina Chickadee
Female Northern Cardinal
The Tufted Titmouse is a Maryland resident, found throughout the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Carolina Chickadee
Poecile carolinensis
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: Carolina Chickadee’s have a small body, a short neck, and large head, giving them a
distinctive spherical body shape. Its tail is fairly long and narrow. Its bill is a bit thicker than a warbler’s
but thinner than a finch’s. Carolina Chickadees have a black cap and bib separated by stark white
cheeks. The back, wings, and tail are soft gray.
Habitat: Carolina Chickadees may be found in deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous woodlands,
swamps, riparian areas, open woods and parks, and also in suburban and urban areas.
Diet: Carolina Chickadees’ diet consists of plants and insects. They also eat nuts and seeds.
Similar to:
Black and White Warbler
White-breasted Nuthatch
The Carolina Chickadee is a Maryland resident, found throughout the
United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Male (front) and female (back).
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: Barn Swallows are cone shaped, with a slightly flattened head, no visible neck, and have
pointed wings. The tail has a deep fork. Barn Swallows have a steely blue back, wings, and tail, and
tawny underparts. The blue crown and face contrast with the cinnamon-colored forehead and throat.
Males are more boldly colored than females.
Habitat: Barn Swallows forage in open areas throughout most of the continent, including suburban
parks and ball fields, agricultural fields, beaches, and over open water such as lakes, ponds and coastal
waters.
Diet: Flies of all types make up the majority of the Barn Swallow’s diet, along with beetles, bees, wasps,
ants, butterflies, moths, and other flying insects.
Similar to:
Northern Rough-wing Swallow
Tree Swallow
Cliff Swallow
The Barn Swallow is a Maryland resident, found throughout the
United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Male
Female
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: The American Robin has a large, round body. Robins are the largest North American
thrushes. Robins are gray-brown birds with orange underparts, and dark heads. In flight, they have a
white patch on the lower belly and under the tail. Compared to males, females have paler heads.
Habitat: American Robins are common birds across the continent. You will commonly find them on
lawns, fields, and city parks, as well as in woodlands, forests, and mountains up to near treeline.
Diet: American Robins eat large numbers of both invertebrates and fruit. Particularly in spring and
summer they eat large numbers of earthworms as well as insects. Robins also eat a variety of fruits.
Similar to:
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Towhee
Hermit Thrush
The American Robin is a Maryland resident, found throughout the
United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: The White-throated Sparrow is large with a full body. It has a round head, long legs, and
long, narrow tail. White-throated Sparrows are brown above and gray below. They have a black-andwhite-striped head and a bright white throat with yellow between the eyes.
Habitat: White-throated Sparrows live in forests up to treeline, especially in forests that are re-growing.
They also live on edges of ponds, meadows, and bogs. During migration and winter, White-throated
Sparrows live in thickets and fields.
Diet: Eat mainly the seeds of grasses and weeds, including ragweed and buckwheat, as well as fruits. In
summer they eat large numbers of insects.
Similar to:
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
The White-Throated Sparrow is a Maryland resident, found throughout the
United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
House Finch
Haemorhous mexicanus
Male
Female
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: The House Finch has a small-body with a large head. Their wings are short. Adult males are
red around the face and upper breast, with streaky brown back, belly and tail. Adult females are grayishbrown.
Habitat: House Finches live in natural habitats including open forests, stream sides, and can also be
found in barns and stables.
Diet: House Finches eat seeds, buds, and fruits. Wild foods include wild mustard seeds, knotweed, and
thistle. At bird feeders they eat black oil sunflower seeds.
Similar to:
House Sparrow
Pine Siskin
Purple Finch
The House Finch is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: These finches have a short, conical bill, a small head, and a short tail. Adult males in spring
and early summer are bright yellow with a black forehead and black wings with white markings. They
also have white patches above and beneath the tail. Adult females are a duller yellow beneath.
Habitat: Weedy fields, open floodplains, and other overgrown areas, particularly with sunflower, aster,
and thistle plants for food and some shrubs and trees for nesting. Goldfinches are also common in
suburbs, parks, and backyards.
Diet: Goldfinches eat seeds almost exclusively. Main types of seeds include sunflower seeds, and seeds
from thistle and aster.
Similar to:
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Pine Siskin
The American Goldfinch is a Maryland resident , found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Male
Female
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: House Sparrows have a full chest, with a larger head. They have a short tail and stout bill.
Male House Sparrows have gray heads, white cheeks, and a black bib. Females are a plain buffy-brown
overall with gray-brown underparts. Their backs are noticeably striped with buff, black, and brown.
Habitat: House Sparrows live particularly in cities, suburbs, and farms. They usually do not live in
extensive woodlands or forests.
Diet: House Sparrows eat mostly grains and seeds, and in cities, discarded food. Among the crops they
eat are corn, oats, wheat, and sorghum. In the summer, House Sparrows eat insects and feed them to
their young. They can catch insects in the air.
Similar to:
Female House Finch
Pine Siskin
Brown-headed Cowbird
The House Sparrow is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: The Northern Mockingbird has a slender body with a long tail. Mockingbirds have small
heads and long legs. Mockingbirds are overall gray-brown, paler on the breast and belly, with two white
wing-bars on each wing.
Habitat: The Northern Mockingbird is found in areas with open ground and with shrubby vegetation like
hedges, fruiting bushes, and thickets. Common places to find Northern Mockingbirds include the park,
cultivated land, and suburban areas.
Diet: Northern Mockingbirds eat mainly insects in summer, but eat mostly fruit in the fall and winter.
They also eat insects.
Similar to:
Gray Catbird
Northern Strike
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
The Northern Mocking Bird is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: The Dark-eyed Junco is medium-sized with a rounded head, short bill, and a long tail. They
are dark gray or brown with white outer tail feathers and a pink bill.
Habitat: The Dark-eyed Junco are found in forests with pine, Douglas-fir, spruce, and fir trees, but also in
forest with aspen, cottonwood, oak, maple, and hickory trees. In the winter Dark-eyed Juncos can be
found in open woodlands, fields, roadsides, and gardens.
Diet: Dark-eyed Juncos eat chickweed, buckwheat, amongst other various types of seeds. They also eat
insects including beetles, moths, butterflies, caterpillars, ants, wasps, and flies.
Similar to:
Black Phoebe
Eastern Towhee
The Dark-eyed Junco is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
Male
Female
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: The Red-winged Blackbird is broad-shouldered with a conical bill and a medium-length tail.
Male Red-winged Blackbirds are overall black in color with red and yellow shoulder patches. Females are
dark brown with a pale breast and have a white eyebrow.
Habitat: Red-winged Blackbirds are found in fresh and saltwater marshes, wet roadsides, as well as
fields.
Diet: Red-winged Blackbirds eat mainly insects and seeds, including corn and wheat. They also eat
ragweed and sunflower seeds.
Similar to:
Song Sparrow
The Red-winged Blackbird is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Song Sparrow
Melospiza phoeniceus
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: Song Sparrows are medium-sized. They have a short bill and a round head. The tail is long.
They have brown steaks with a white chest and white flanks. Their heads are red-brown and gray in
color.
Habitat: Song Sparrows can be found in open habitats, including marshes, fields, backyards, and forest
edges. Song Sparrows are very common at bird feeders.
Diet: Song Sparrows eat seeds, fruits, and invertebrates. Some of their food includes ground beetles,
caterpillars, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and earthworms. Some types of plants and seeds they eat
include buckwheat, ragweed, clover, sunflower, wheat, blackberries, and blueberries.
Similar to:
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
The Song Sparrow is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: The Red-bellied Woodpecker has a rounded head and appears pale in color with black and
white stripes along its back. It has a red head and nape.
Habitat: The Red-bellied Woodpecker lives in the forests of the eastern United States. They live in oakhickory forests, pine, maple, and pine flatwoods.
Diet: The Red-bellied Woodpecker eats mainly insects, spiders, and plant material. They eat acorns,
nuts, pines, and even some fruits.
Similar to:
Northern Flicker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a Maryland resident, found throughout
The eastern United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Downy Woodpecker
Picoides pubescens
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: Downy Woodpeckers have a straight bill and blocky head. They have a black back with
white spots. The head has thick stripes and the back as a white stripe down the center. Males have a
small red patch on the back of their heads. They have white outer tail feathers with black spots on them.
Habitat: Downy Woodpeckers can be found in open woodlands. They are also found in orchards, city
parks and backyards.
Diet: Downy Woodpeckers eat insects which include beetle larvae that live inside wood or tree bark,
ants, and caterpillars. They also eat berries, acorns, grains, and sunflower seeds.
Similar to:
Hairy Woodpecker
White-breasted Nuthatch
The Downy Woodpecker is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Cedar Waxwing
Bombycilla cedrorum
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: The Cedar Waxwing is a medium-sized bird with a short wide bill. They also have a crest at
the top of their head and have broad wings. They are pale brown in color and have a yellow belly and
tail tip. Cedar Waxwings also have a black mask outlined in white on their face.
Habitat: Cedar Waxwings live in woodlands, most commonly seen in areas along streams. They can also
be found in fields and sage brush, as well as in towns and suburbs. Cedar Waxwings also inhabit areas
with fruiting plants, gardens, and second-growth forests.
Diet: Cedar Waxwings eat mainly fruits, such as strawberry, dogwood, and cedar berries. They are aso
known to eat juniper, honeysuckle, and crabapple. Cedar Waxwings also feed on insects including
dragonflies and leaf beetles.
Similar to:
Tufted Titmouse
The Cedar Waxwing is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Killdeer
Charadrius vociderus
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: Killdeer have a large, rounded head with large eyes. They also have the shortest bill of the
plovers. Killdeer have a long, pointed tail and long wings. They have a brown head with black and white
markings. Their chests are white and barred with two black bands, and the face has black and white
markings. They also have an orange colored rump that is noticeable when they fly.
Habitat: Killdeer are mainly found in open areas like sandbars and grazed fields. They can also be found
in towns on lawns, parking lots, and golf courses. Killdeer are usually found near water, but they are also
commonly found in dry areas.
Diet: Killdeer eat mainly invertebrates, such as crayfish, earthworms, grasshoppers and beetles. They
are also known to eat seeds in agricultural land. Killdeer are also called “opportunistic foragers” and
have been observed hunting frogs and dead minnows.
Similar to:
Ruddy Turnstone
Wilson’s Plover
The Killdeer is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Turkey Vulture
Cathartes aura
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: Turkey Vultures are large dark-colored birds, with broad wings. Their wing tips have long
“fingers” and they have long tails. They are dark brown in color with a red head that does not have
feathers and the underneath of their flight feathers are paler than their overall dark brown color.
Habitat: Turkey Vultures can be found in open areas that include farmland and forests. They are also
commonly found along the road and at landfills.
Diet: Turkey Vultures eat carrion, or the decaying flesh of dead animals. They have also been known to
eat reptiles, other birds, amphibians, and fish. Turkey Vultures almost never attack living prey.
Similar to:
The Turkey Vulture is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: Black Vultures are large black raptors. They have a very short and rounded tail. Black
Vultures have small, featherless, black head with a hooked bill. They also have white patches
underneath their wingtips.
Habitat: Black Vultures live in forested and open areas year-round. They are often found foraging in
open habitats and along roadsides. They roost in tall trees, such as pines and oak trees.
Diet: Black Vultures eat carrion, or the decaying flesh of dead animals. Sometimes the Black Vulture
follows the Turkey Vultures to the food sources. Their carrion diet includes poultry, cattle, raccoons,
opossums, and other types of animals that are found dead. They can also be found eating and picking
through dumpsters and landfills.
Similar to:
The Black Vulture is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the eastern United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: Red-tailed Hawks are large hawks with broad and rounded wings and a short, wide tail. The
upper portions of their bodies are rich brown color and a paler lower half. They have a mostly white
chest and a streaked or spotted brown belly. They also have a noticeable brown bar on the underside of
their wing. Their tail is a cinnamon-red color.
Habitat: Red-tailed Hawks are found in grasslands, fields, pastures, parks, along roadsides and in
woodlands.
Diet: Red- tailed Hawks eat mainly mammals, such as mice, voles, rats, rabbits, and squirrels. They also
eat other birds such as bobwhites, starlings, and blackbirds. Red-tailed Hawks have also been found
eating snakes and carrion.
Similar to:
Red-shouldered Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: Ospreys are large hawks. They have long legs and have narrow wings. They have brown on
the top of their bodies and white on the underside. Ospreys have an overall white head with a brown
stripe that goes over the eye.
Habitat: Ospreys live near mostly shallow water, which includes rivers, lakes, and swamps that provide a
decent food supply. They usually nest at elevated sites in order to avoid predation.
Diet: Osprey eats mostly live fish. This makes up approximately 99% of their diet. Ospreys have been
recorded eating fish and other bird species, snakes, squirrels, but this is very rare.
Similar to:
Red-tailed Hawk
Turkey Vulture
The Osprey is a Maryland resident, found throughout the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
European Starling
Sturnus haliaetus
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: European Starlings have short tails and a long beak. They appear to be black, however they
actually are iridescent purple and green. In the winter they are usually found with many white spots on
their feathers.
Habitat: The European Starling habitats are usually around urban places, living around people. They can
use trees and buildings for nesting. They are found foraging in open, grassy areas
Diet: The Starling’s diet is made up of insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, flies, and other
invertebrates. They also eat holly berries, Virginia creeper, mulberries, blackberries, as well as eating
from garbage.
Similar to:
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
The European Starling is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
Photos by Bill Hubick
Description: Common Grackles are large blackbirds with long tails and golden eyes. They have a long bill
that curves down. Grackles appear to be black; however they are actually a purple color with iridescent
bodies. Females are brown and less glossy.
Habitat: Grackles typically inhabit urban places, living around people. However, their natural habitats
include the forest edge, swamps, and open woodlands.
Diet: Grackles eat seeds, which include sunflower seeds, acorns, and sweetgum. They also have been
documented eating beetles, grasshoppers, and other invertebrates.
Similar to:
American Crow
Boat-tailed Grackle
The Common Grackle is a Maryland resident, found throughout
the United States.
Erickson, Laura, Kevin McGowan, Hugh Powell, Matt Savoca, and Carolyn
Sedgwick. "All About Birds." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching.
N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.